

- #Mac compatible graphics cards 2016 how to#
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Nvidia’s Pascal cards (GTX 1060, 1070, 1080, etc.) aren’t supported yet in macOS, because there are no drivers. And since the unit features no I/O ports outside of the sole Thunderbolt 3 connection, you’ll want to make sure that your graphics card features all of the necessary ports that you require.īut even more important is the issue of compatibility. While the Node itself is an instrumental piece of equipment for utilizing an eGPU solution, the actual graphics card that you choose is perhaps an even more important decision.Ī lot will depend on how you plan on using the Node. I see the Node as more of a stationary solution that will sit on top of your desk, or even under your desk - or maybe even on the entertainment center for using it as a gaming solution on the big screen. The unit’s handle is obviously there for convenience, but it’s probably not something you’d want to travel around with often.
#Mac compatible graphics cards 2016 Pc#
With a graphics card inside, the Node is pretty heavy, almost like a small PC case. Both the front and rear of the Node feature perforated panels to allow plenty of cool air to work its way throughout the case. The Node features a cover that slides on to the unit a little awkwardly, but it does a good job of protecting the internals and providing airflow to the internals. The rear of the unit is where you’ll find the single I/O connection for the case - a Thunderbolt 3 port - which means you’ll be able to connect directly to your MacBook Pro, but you won’t be able to include the unit as a part of a daisy chain. Outside of the Thunderbolt 3 port, you’ll find a power switch, power connector port, and a removable PCIe slot cover. The case includes two PCIe 6+2pin connectors for supplying power to the GPU, and features a fan in the front of the unit to help circulate air throughout the case. Hence, you’ll still need to connect a power source to your computer if using it for a long session. The case is large enough to house a full-sized dual-width GPU, features a single x16 PCIe slot, and contains a 400W SFX power supply built into the case.Īlthough you’ll find a beefy power supply inside, the Node doesn’t provide power back to your MacBook. The build of the Node feels very much like a PC case, and that’s essentially what it is, a small PC case specifically designed to work as an eGPU solution. The Node, which is all black, is fairly large at about 17-inches long (including rear handle), 5.75-inches wide, and about 9-inches tall (including feet). The unit ships standalone, so you’ll need to provide your own GPU. Subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube for more videos The Akitio Node hardwareĪs mentioned, the Akitio Node is an GPU Box that allows you to run a full-sized graphics card externally with your Thunderbolt 3-equipped MacBook Pro. USB-C adapter ( USB-C to USB, USB-C SD Card reader, or something similar).External Display (at this point GPU acceleration only works via an external display, so you will need a separate display to make this work).RX 480 or other compatible graphics card.
#Mac compatible graphics cards 2016 full#
Have a look at our full hands-on video walkthrough for our step-by-step guide through the setup process.
#Mac compatible graphics cards 2016 pro#
If you’re a Mac gamer or video editor, then the benefits are very apparent, especially if you’re using a MacBook Pro with an integrated Intel Iris GPU like the 13-inch 2016 model.

While that makes for one less hurdle to clear, there are still lots of factors to consider before taking the eGPU plunge.Īs you’ll see in this post, the setup takes some effort to get right, but it’s fairly simple to get working if you follow the steps correctly. Unlike Akitio’s other Thunderbolt 3-enabled enclosures, the Node features the newer Texas Instruments TI83 controller and is immediately recognized in macOS.

The nice folks at Akitio provided us with an early unit for testing with macOS. The connection is made possible by means of the Akitio Node - an external GPU box with an embedded 400W power supply, and enough room inside for a full sized card like the RX 480.

#Mac compatible graphics cards 2016 1080p#
The RX 480 is modestly-priced GPU with a decent amount of power that’s good enough for 1080p gaming.
#Mac compatible graphics cards 2016 how to#
In this hands-on post, we’re going to showcase how to power the 13-inch 2016 MacBook Pro with an eGPU using Sapphire’s AMD RX 480. For example, it’s now possible to connect an external GPU (eGPU) box via Thunderbolt 3 and tap into the power offered by a full-sized graphics card. The 2016 MacBook Pro has endured criticism for its lack of I/O ports, but what that it does have - two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports based on your configuration - has lots of potential.
